# 3044
Even as I was composing my last blog about 25 New Zealanders being quarantined awaiting Swine Flu tests after returning from Mexico, a bulletin crossed the wires about those tests.
Events are unfolding sometimes faster than we can blog about them.
The latest news is that a number of these students have tested positive for Influenza A, and that is is `likely’ they have the Swine Flu Virus.
Testing for the Swine Flu virus is still difficult. Most healthcare facilities can test for Influenza A, which includes Swine Flu, but not directly for the swine flu virus itself.
Instead, they must test these samples to see if they are H1 or H3. Even though the swine flu is an H1(N1), it routinely comes back as negative for both H1 and H3.
When health officials see a Positive Influenza A, but negative H1 and H3, they strongly suspect Swine Flu.
It requires additional testing, conducted at a sophisticated laboratory, to confirm Swine Flu. That additional testing is underway in New Zealand.
This from News 3 in New Zealand.
Students likely to have swine flu
Sun, 26 Apr 2009 8:10p.m.
Health Minister Tony Ryall has this evening confirmed ten positive influenza results from testing carried out on 13 Rangitoto College students who returned from Mexico early yesterday morning.
"Ministry of Health officials advise me there is no guarantee these students have swine influenza, but they consider it likely. All precautions are being taken to allow for this. However, I am also informed none of the affected patients are considered seriously ill, and most in fact seem to be on the road to recovery," said Tony Ryall.
"I am advised ten students have tested positive for Influenza A, and these results will now be sent to the World Health Organisation laboratory in Melbourne to ascertain whether it is the H1N1 swine influenza." H1N1 influenza is a subset of influenza A.
A timeline when those results will be available will be advised, however it is expected given the global situation that they will be treated with considerable urgency.
Other passengers on NZ1, the flight the Rangitoto College students returned on, are encouraged to consult with their GP or other health professional if they develop flu-like symptoms.
Tamiflu has been released from Middlemore Hospital to the Auckland Regional Public Health Service to treat patients and those who have had contact with them.
The Ministry continues to be in contact with the WHO and is liasing with Australia in terms of what their response at this stage is. We are also working closely with Auckland Regional Public Health, district health boards and other Government agencies including MAF, Customs and the Ministry of Education.
